Continued Lessons from Wawa Closures: What the Drive-Thru Setback Means for C-Stores in 2025

Wawa’s recent decision to shutter its Allentown drive-thru location, following the earlier closure of its Morrisville standalone drive-thru, has reignited discussions about the viability of drive-thru operations in the convenience store (c-store) landscape. While the closures may appear to signal challenges unique to Wawa, they hold critical lessons for both independent operators and national chains navigating the increasingly competitive and tech-driven c-store environment.

The Context: Wawa’s Drive-Thru Experiment

Wawa’s venture into standalone drive-thru models represented an effort to tap into the post-pandemic demand for contactless convenience. Yet, as these closures reveal, meeting that demand requires more than just offering drive-thru service. The lack of integration with mobile and online ordering systems proved to be a critical oversight, underscoring the importance of digital convenience in today’s consumer ecosystem.

Independent c-stores often lack the resources of chains like Wawa, but that doesn’t exempt them from the need for digital integration. Even the smallest operators can invest in affordable solutions such as:

Mobile-friendly online ordering platforms

Integration with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats

Customer-facing kiosks for streamlined in-store or drive-thru orders

Offering digital convenience alongside physical drive-thru operations ensures customer expectations are met, especially among tech-savvy demographics.

 Unlike Wawa’s ambitious rollout, independents should consider testing drive-thru concepts on a smaller scale. A pop-up-style drive-thru, for instance, could allow for real-world experimentation with menu items, staffing requirements, and operational logistics before committing to a permanent setup.

 Independents have the advantage of being deeply rooted in their communities. Use this to tailor offerings-whether it’s regional food favorites or specific services like lottery ticket sales-at drive-thru locations. Consumer data from loyalty programs or community feedback can guide such decisions.

Lessons for Independent C-Stores

 Wawa’s inability to link its drive-thru operations with its mobile and online ordering platform exposed a critical flaw. Chains must prioritize a seamless omnichannel experience, where customers can place orders online and pick them up in a drive-thru lane. National players like 7-Eleven and Casey’s General Store are already making strides in this direction.

 Drive-thru models were once synonymous with fast food, but their application in c-stores must evolve to meet unique consumer needs. Chains should consider features like fuel rewards linked to drive-thru orders or bundling promotions for items frequently purchased together (e.g., coffee and breakfast sandwiches).

 Wawa’s experiment demonstrates that standalone drive-thru models may not be universally applicable. Instead, hybrid models-combining walk-in service with drive-thru convenience- could allow chains to meet a broader range of customer preferences without overextending operational complexity.

Lessons for Chain C-Stores

Despite Wawa’s setbacks, the potential for drive-thru models in the c-store industry remains strong. A 2024 survey by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) found that 73% of consumers would prefer a drive-thru option at their local c-store. However, successfully implementing such a model requires addressing several critical areas:

 Long wait times are the kiss of death for drive-thrus. Using AI-based order management systems can streamline operations and ensure consistency.

 A drive-thru menu must be concise, and focused on high-margin, quick-prep items.

 Personalization is key. Use loyalty data to offer tailored promotions as the drive-thru, creating a connection that extends beyond the transactional.

The Future of Drive-Thrus in C-Stores

Wawa’s closures are a cautionary tale, but they are also an opportunity for the c-store industry to reassess its strategies in a rapidly changing retail landscape. For both independents and chains, the key takeaway is clear: success in the drive-thru space hinges on a holistic approach that integrates technology, adapts to consumer habits, and prioritizes operational excellence.

As 2025 unfolds, c-stores that can learn from these lessons will not only avoid Wawa’s missteps but also redefine convenience for the modern customer. In an era where digital and physical experiences must coexist seamlessly, the path forward lies in innovation and adaptability.

Want to dive deeper into the lessons from Wawa's closures? Explore our previous article, 

Tips for C-Store Success: Lessons from Wawa Closures

, and discover actionable strategies for thriving in the evolving convenience store landscape. 

A Strategic Wake-Up Call

What Wawa’s Drive-Thru Closures Reveal

Preparing Your C-Store for a Successful Start to 2025

As we step into 2025, convenience store owners face a dynamic landscape influenced by economic factors, evolving consumer behaviors, and technological advancements. To ensure a prosperous start to the new year, it’s essential to implement strategies that address these changes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the beginning of 2025 effectively.

Begin by conducting a thorough review of your store’s performance over the past year:

 Identify top-selling and underperforming products.

 Utilize loyalty program data and point-of-sale (POS) analytics to understand purchasing behaviors.

 Assess staffing schedules, inventory turnover, and supplier relationships.

 Implement back office systems to generate detailed reports, facilitating informed decision-making for 2025.

1. Analyze 2024 Performance Metrics

Leverage the first quarter’s seasonal opportunities to boost sales:

 Stock health-oriented products such as low-sugar snacks and fitness beverages.

 Promote snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat party platters.

 Future items like hand warmers, windshield de-icer, and hot beverages.

 Create eye-catching displays and bundle promotions to encourage impulse purchases during these events.

2. Capitalize on Seasonal Trends

Stay ahead of consumer trends by diversifying your product offerings:

 Add organic and protein-rich snacks to meet the growing demand for healthier options

 Offer eco-friendly products to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

 Stock locally sourced items to support community businesses and appeal to the “shop local” movement.

 Test new products in limited quantities to evaluate customer interest before expanding inventory.

3. Introduce New Products

Efficient inventory management is crucial, especially in the fluctuating economic conditions.

 Use POS data to identify and discount slow-moving items.

 Analyze historical to predict Q1 sales patterns.

 Automate orders for high-demand products to maintain optimal stock levels.

 Consider inventory management solutions that integrate with your POS system for real-time tracking and analytics.

4. Optimize Inventory Management

Delivering a superior customer experience can set your store apart:

 Implement self-checkout kiosks to reduce wait times.

 Utilize data from loyalty programs to provide targeted promotions.

 Design an intuitive store layout with planograms that highlight high-margin items and improves traffic flow.

 Train staff to provide exceptional service and encourage upselling to enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Enhance Customer Experience

Adopting technological solutions can streamline operations and improve customer engagement:

 Ensure compatibility with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

 Develop or enhance a branded app to offer loyalty rewards, digital coupons, and exclusive deals.

 Employ advanced analytics to gain insights into customer behavior and optimize inventory.

 Partner with technology providers specializing in c-store solutions to ensure seamless integration and support.

6. Leverage Technology

Maximize profitability by participating in distributor rebate programs:

: Familiarize yourself with volume-based, growth-based, and incentive-based rebates.

 Utilize platforms like MostEdge to access and manage rebate programs efficiently, enhancing cash flow and reducing costs.

 Regularly review rebate agreements to ensure alignment with your purchasing strategies and maximize benefits.

7. Implement Distributor Rebate Programs

Stay informed about economic factors that can impact your business:

 Monitor inflation rates and adjust pricing strategies accordingly to maintain profitability without deterring customers.

 Keep track of fuel price trends, as they can influence consumer spending and foot traffic.

 Consider offering fuel discounts through loyalty programs to attract and retain customers during periods of high fuel prices.

8. Monitor Economic Indicators

Effective marketing can drive traffic and increase sales:

 Engage your customers with promotions and updates on platforms they frequent.

 Collaborate with nearby businesses for cross-promotional opportunities.

 Invest in professional signage and digital advertising to enhance visibility and attract new customers.

9. Promote Your Business

Establish specific, measurable objectives to guide your business throughout the year:

 Define clear sales goals for each quarter.

 Set targets for attracting new customers and increasing loyalty program memberships.

 Identify key areas for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

 Regularly review and adjust your goals based on performance metrics and market conditions to stay on track.

10. Set Clear Goals for 2025

By implementing these strategies, your convenience store will be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of early 2025. Embrace technological advancements, stay attuned to consumer preferences, and maintain operational efficiency to drive growth and profitability in the coming year.

Conclusion:

Prepare Your C-Store for a Profitable Start to 2025

Lessons from Wawa Store Closures: Insights for Convenience Store Owners

In the ever-evolving c-store industry, even established giants Wawa face challenges that sometimes lead to store closures. While such news can seem alarming, it also offers valuable lessons for smaller c-store owners. Understanding the root causes of these closures and how to avoid similar pitfalls can be a stepping stone to long-term success.

Here's what c-store owners can learn from Wawa’s decisions and how to apply these insights to your business.

1. Location Matters – But It’s Not Everything

Wawa’s success has often been tied to its strategic locations. However, even prime locations can lose their edge due to changing demographics, increased competition, or local economic shifts.

 Regularly assess your store’s location for viability. Keep an eye on:

If foot traffic declines, consider introducing promotions or expanding delivery options to reach customers who might not visit in person.

2. Prioritize Safety and Community Connection

Wawa has cited safety concerns as a reason for some store closures. A store environment that feels unsafe can deter customers and staff alike.

 Invest in high-quality surveillance systems, visible cameras, and 

 to deter theft and create a safer atmosphere.

 Host events, sponsor local activities, or partner with schools to establish your store as a positive force in the area.

 Encourage employees and customers to share safety concerns or suggestions.

3. Adapt to Changing Customer Expectations

Wawa has been a leader in innovation with its fresh food offerings and mobile ordering. However, when customer needs or behaviors evolve, even the best operators need to stay ahead of the curve.

 Keep an eye on emerging trends such as plant-based snacks, specialty coffee, or grab-and-go meals.

 Consider mobile ordering, loyalty apps, or contactless payment systems to offer convenience in line with modern expectations.

 Conduct informal surveys or chat with regulars to learn what they want to see in your store.

4. Know When to Let Go of a Struggling Location

While closures can feel like failures, sometimes they’re the smartest decision. Wawa’s strategy to close underperforming locations reflects an understanding that resources can be better used elsewhere.

 Regularly review sales data, customer feedback, and operational costs (this can easily be done with software like mercury|One back office). If a store continues to struggle despite your best efforts, it might be time to pivot.

 Reinvest resources from underperforming locations into more promising ventures, like upgrading other stores or expanding into new markets.

5. Focus on Employee Retention and Training

One underappreciated aspect of c-store success is the people running it. Wawa has long been known for its commitment to employee satisfaction, but closures can still disrupt staff morale and retention.

 Equip your staff with the skills to handle a wide range of scenarios, from customer service to safety concerns.

 Offer incentives, growth opportunities, and recognition to maintain morale and reduce turnover.

 If you’re making significant changes, involve your team in discussions and planning to foster a sense of ownership.

6. Leverage Technology and Professional Services

Staying competitive requires more than just great products – it demands streamlined operations and expert support. Wawa’s ability to scale operations highlights the value of efficiency, something all c-store owners 

can achieve with the right tools and services.

, pricing updates, and inventory tracking to reduce manual errors and save time.

 Consider outsourcing complex tasks like 

 and data analysis to experienced service provides.

 Stay informed about sales trends and make faster, data-driven decisions to improve margins and stock availability.

By combining cutting-edge technology with 

, you can focus on what you do best – serving your customers.

Like other c-stores, Wawa has faced challenges from local regulations affecting product offerings, hours, or customer behavior.

 Regularly review local laws and ordinances that may impact your business.

 Adjust your product mix or operations to comply with regulations before they take effect.

7. Stay Ahead of Local Regulations

Wawa’s closures haven’t tarnished its brand. Customers continue to associate the chain with quality, convenience, and innovation.

 Ensure every customer experience reflects your store’s values.

 Offer rewards programs, personalized promotions, and excellent service to keep customers coming back.

8. Build a Resilient Brand

Wawa’s store closures are a reminder that even the most successful businesses must adapt to challenges. By learning from their experience and staying proactive, c-store owners can build resilient, profitable operations that stand the test of time.

Are you ready to strengthen your business? MostEdge offers solutions tailored to help convenience store owners like you succeed. From advanced technology to operational insights, we’re here to support your journey. Schedule a free store evaluation today and discover how we can help you thrive.

Moving Forward

Learn More About Invoice & Pricing Management

Lessons from Wawa Closures: Tips for C-Store Success

The Importance of Invoice Automation with Invoice Management Services for Convenience Stores

Managing invoices in a convenience store environment is no small task, especially when dealing with a diverse array of purchases such as groceries, cigarettes, and fuel. Traditional manual methods can be time-consuming, error-prone, and overwhelming, particularly when handling 60-90 invoices monthly per store just for groceries. That’s where 

 come in, offering a streamlined, automated solution to save time, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency.

Invoice automation provides a centralized system for processing, managing, and storing invoices. It eliminates the chaos of handwritten invoices, scattered vendor communications, and disorganized financial records. Here’s why it’s crucial:

 Manual invoice processing requires staff to enter data, verify details, and track payments – tasks prone to human error. Automated systems handle this seamlessly, processing invoices quickly and accurately, which allows staff to focus on higher-value tasks.

 Automation reduces the risk of misplacing invoices or making calculation errors. Whether invoices are handwritten or electronic, an automated system ensures consistency and precision.

 Automated invoice management provides a detailed record of all transactions, which is essential for audits, tax filing, and financial analysis. It also helps stores comply with industry regulations and standards.

Why Invoice Management Matters

Our service is designed specifically for convenience stores and handles a wide range of purchase types:

 We manage 60-90 invoices monthly per store.

 These are typically less frequent, processed once or twice a month.

 Whether fuel invoices are received electronically or manually, we process them efficiently.

 While we manage a variety of invoices, lottery reconciliation is excluded from our services as it is handled separately through 


We accept all purchase invoices, including handwritten ones, ensuring no transaction is overlooked.

Key Features of Our Invoice Management Service

 A scanner is preferred for digitizing handwritten or printed invoices, but any standard scanner/printer will suffice.

 Each customer gets a dedicated email on our platform. This ensures all electronic invoices, including EDIs, fuel jobber communications, rack prices, and invoices, are automatically routed and posted to the account.

Minimum Requirements to Get Started

Onboarding: Setting the Foundation for Success

During onboarding, we ensure your system is configured correctly and optimized for your specific needs. Key steps include:

 We gather and input vendor information, payment details, categories, and financial institution details. This creates a comprehensive database of all suppliers.

: On the agent side, you’ll have visibility into vendors and their details, enabling easy tracking and management.

 We ensure all necessary hardware (scanner, printer) is operational and emails are correctly routed for seamless communication.

 We tailor the system to accommodate the unique needs of each customer, ensuring smooth and effective operation.

Once the onboarding process is complete, our services take over:

 are processed through the agent terminal when deliveries are made by cashiers.

Store owners and managers can add purchases manually if necessary.

 Set rules for minimum and maximum stock levels to trigger reorders automatically.

 Receive regular reports summarizing your store’s purchasing health.

 Whether fuel jobbers send rack process, bill of lading, invoices, or drafts manually or electronically, we handle it.

What Happens After Onboarding?

Invoice automation isn’t just about simplifying invoice management; it’s about empowering your business with the tools to grow efficiently. With our services, you can reduce administrative burdens, minimize errors, and have a clearer understanding of your financial health – all while staying compliant and organized.

By partnering with us, you ensure that your store’s purchasing and invoicing processes are in expert hands, freeing up valuable time to focus on your customers and operations.

Ready to transform your invoice management? Contact us today to learn how we can help!

The Benefits of a Streamlined Process

Simplify Convenience Store Invoicing with Automation

The Importance of Digital Lottery Inventory and 100% Lottery Reconciliation

Managing lottery tickets in convenience (c-stores) has traditionally been a manual, paper-based process that could lead to inefficiencies, errors, and even theft. As c-store owners face rising competition and the growing need for operational accuracy, implementing digital lottery inventory systems is becoming more critical. Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also safeguards profits by ensuring that every ticket is tracked and accounted for.

In this article, we will explore the significance of digital lottery inventory management, what 100% lottery reconciliation looks like, and how 

 helps c-store owners streamline their lottery operations while preventing theft.

Why Digital Lottery Inventory Matters for C-Stores

Digital lottery inventory management is transforming the way c-store owners handle lottery tickets. Traditional methods of tracking inventory manually can lead to mistakes and discrepancies, which affect store operations and profitability. With digital systems, c-store owners can track ticket sales, monitor inventory levels, and even audit their entire lottery stock in real-time.

Using a digital lottery tracking system like mercury|One can provide transparency and control over ticket inventory. This system enables c-store owners to track each ticket from the moment it’s received to the when it’s sold, ensuring that no ticket is ever misplaced or unaccounted for. It also minimizes human error, which is common when dealing with manual stocktaking processes.

Furthermore, digital systems allow for easy stock replenishment. C-store owners can identify high-performing lottery games and restock them promptly, reducing the risk of running out of popular tickets. This leads to higher sales and customer satisfaction.

What Does 100% Lottery Reconciliation Look Like?

100% lottery reconciliation is the process of ensuring that all aspects of your lottery operations – ticket inventory sales, and revenue – align perfectly. For c-store owners, this means comparing the number of tickets received against the number of tickets sold, with the corresponding revenue from those sales. A well-executed reconciliation process ensues that there is no discrepancy between inventory records and financial reports.

: When new lottery tickets arrive, the system records the ticket numbers, game types, and quantities. The tickets are then activated in the system, making them available for sale.

Every time a lottery ticket is sold, the transaction is logged into the system. This real-time tracking ensures that the system is always up-to-date on ticket sales.

At the end of each day, a digital report is generated that compares the number of tickets sold with the number of tickets in stock. This report helps identify any discrepancies, such as missing tickets or unsold inventory.

 With a digital lottery inventory system, c-store owners request an audit at any time. These audits provide an in-depth look at ticket sales and inventory, allowing owners to catch issues quickly and prevent problems from escalating.

How mercury|One Enhances Digital Lottery Inventory Management

 has a comprehensive digital lottery management system build into a back office software designed to help c-store owners streamline their operations. Here’s how it works:

: mercury|One ensures that only confirmed and activated games are logged into the system. This reduces the risk of selling expired or non-activated tickets, ensuring that the c-store operates in compliance with state regulations and that only valid tickets are sold to customers.

 As soon as new tickets are activated and placed into inventory, they are logged into the system. This real-time tracking allows c-store owners to monitor their stock and sales performance, providing a transparent view of their lottery operations.

One of the standout features of mercury|One back office is the ability to conduct audits on-demand. C-store owners can access detailed reports that show sales, stock levels, and revenue, allowing for quick reconciliation of their overall operations and identification of any discrepancies.

With retail inventory systems the risk of internal theft is significantly reduced. Since every ticket sale is logged automatically, store owners can easily track discrepancies in ticket counts and sales. This makes it much harder for employees to manipulate sales data or pocket lottery revenue, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind.

The Impact of Digital Lottery Inventory and Reconciliation

Implementing a digital lottery inventory system and conducting 100% reconciliation can have a profound impact on c-store operations. Here are some key benefits:

 With digital systems, c-store owners can avoid the errors that come with manual tracking. Real-time data ensures that sales and inventory align, improving overall operational efficiency and reducing costly mistakes.

: By tracking every sale digitally, owners can better manage their lottery revenue and ensure that no money goes unaccounted for. This also helps prevent loss due to theft or error.

 One of the biggest concerns in retail is employee theft. Digital systems like 

 help protect c-stores be tracking every transaction and automatically updating inventory. Any discrepancies are flagged, making it easier for owners to spot suspicious activity.

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Blog

What Wawa’s Drive-Thru Closures Reveal

Prepare Your C-Store for a Profitable Start to 2025

Lessons from Wawa Closures: Tips for C-Store Success

Simplify Convenience Store Invoicing with Automation

Digital Lottery Inventory: Safeguard Sales & Prevent Theft

Fresh Food Offerings for Independent C-Stores

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